Abstract

Aim: To describe the ultrastructural appearance of explanted opacified Hydroview H60M intraocular lenses.

Methods: 14 explanted lenses were examined by scanning electron microscopy, and their appearance compared with a non-implanted H60M lens from the same time period. Wavelength-dispersive x ray spectroscopy (WDX) was performed on two opacified lenses.

Results: Subsurface deposits were seen in all explanted opacified lenses. These deposits broke only onto the surface of more densely opacified lenses. WDX confirmed that the deposits contained both calcium and phosphorous, consistent with their being calcium apatite.

Conclusion: These findings challenge the widely accepted opinion that H60M intraocular lens opacification begins on the surface of the optic.